Dr. Paul Foster Case
Reprinted in the Zenith News Notes No 121, September 2018, originally from Adytum News Notes March 1960
Introduction to Understanding L.V.X.
In this article, Dr. Paul Foster Case discusses the significance of the term L.V.X., representing Light, and its connection to occultism. He explores the numerical value of the letters in L.V.X. and their symbolic implications, particularly how the Pentagram and Hexagram relate to spiritual and cosmic forces. By linking the concept of light to the divine presence within humanity, he emphasises the role of faith, knowledge, and the power of creation inherent in every individual. The article highlights the importance of recognising the divine source of wisdom and power, ultimately guiding readers towards the realisation of their connection to the Light.
Understanding L.V.X.
L.V.X. stands primarily for Lux, the Latin noun for Light. In the Western School of occultism, this word is often written with the capital letters separated by a period to call attention to the values of the letters in the Roman system of numeration. L indicates 50, V stands for 5, and X is 10. Thus, the total value of the word is 65.
The Significance of the Number 65
This number represents the operation of the power symbolised by 5 as that power is expressed through the agency symbolised by 6. In occultism, 65 sums up the Great Work. It is the numerical sign of the manifestation of the power of the Pentagram (5) through the agency of the Hexagram (6).
The Symbols of the Pentagram and Hexagram
In practical occultism, the Pentagram, or five-pointed star, is the sign of the Christos, the spiritual force of the I AM seated in the heart of man. The Hexagram, or six-pointed star, is a symbol of the cosmic forces surrounding man and constituting his environment. The Pentagram is the sign of the mind’s dominion over the forces of nature, while the six-pointed star represents the cosmic forces and laws which make up the whole of the field of activity revolving around the central I AM.
Thus, the number 65 expresses the occult truth that the Christos (5) at the centre of the temple of human personality is actually in control of all natural forces (6). The indwelling Self is the ruler of the cosmic order. Hence, we find that the number 65 is the number of the Hebrew name ADNI, Adonai ‘Lord’, a Divine Name which refers particularly to the One Life-Power as ruler of the universe.
The Connection to the Temple
The same number 65 is also the sum of the value of the letters in the Hebrew noun HIKL, Haikal, meaning ‘Temple’ or ‘Palace’. In the Book of Formation, we are told that ‘Palace of Holiness’ is located ‘in the centre’ or ‘in the midst’. In the biblical Temple symbolism of which Freemasonry preserves some fragments, the ‘midst’ is called the ‘Sanctum Sanctorum’ or ‘Holy of Holies’. This room had the dimensions of the perfect cube and related to the whole series of symbolic ideas expressed by the cube, which is shown on the seal of B.O.T.A. In Solomon’s Temple, the Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy-Seat on which rested the Shekinah, or Radiant Presence of God.
The Connection to L.V.X. in Tradition
Because our more esoteric work has a link of connection with these traditions, we use the conclusion, ‘Fraternally Yours in L.V.X.’ at the end of all our letters. By these words, we acknowledge that all wisdom and power have their source in the One Light, and by them, we also testify that the One Light is the One Life.
This One Life, seated in the heart of man, is the True Self, the One Lord, Adonai, enthroned within His Holy Temple.
The Rosicrucian Tradition
In Rosicrucian tradition, L.V.X. is connected with the mystery of the cross because the letters of the word may be formed from three equal-armed crosses, thus:
Rituals and Signs
In the rituals of certain societies conforming to an old Rosicrucian tradition, three signs or tokens are given to represent the three letters of this word, and with these signs is used the phrase: ‘L.V.X. the Light of the Cross.’
Dedication to the Light
To the extension of that Light, and to the manifestation of its power in the lives of men, our work is dedicated. May the full glory of that Radiance be extended upon you, and bring into your daily experience all the wisdom, beauty, and splendour of its illumination.
You don’t have to shovel out the darkness.
Reverend Ann Davies
You just have to turn on the Light.